Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing MI
Your smile is typically the first thing others notice about you. Whether you have a bright white smile or one that’s less than that, maintaining nice looking teeth require a lifelong commitment. When you practice good oral hygiene daily, you create the single most powerful tool in the defense against food debris and harmful bacteria. Okemos’ family dentist at Tenaglia Smiles, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, shares top dental tips for 2022 on the blog today so that you can have better oral and overall health and a brighter smile in the new year.
Brush Twice a Day
You may brush every morning, but brushing in the evening is crucial as it gets rid of the food debris and plaque that build up throughout the day and prevents them from damaging your smile while you sleep. Our family dentist in Lansing explains that poor or incorrect brushing habits can be detrimental to your oral health. However, brushing correctly by moving the brush slowly in gentle circular motions can get rid of bacteria and plaque, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Use Fluoridated Toothpaste
Some herbal toothpaste makers boast their natural ingredients, but it could be at the expense of your oral health. Fluoride is a natural element found in most tap water and a crucial restoration element for tooth enamel. Fluoride creates protection for your teeth from decay-causing germs and bacteria and is an effective first-line defense in preventing cavities. Dentists in East Lansing agree that patients should brush their teeth with toothpaste that has the American Dental Association seal of approval and fluoride in the ingredients.
Flossing is Crucial
Although people think they can trick the dentist about their flossing habits, we know the truth. Unfortunately, not flossing daily to remove food debris and harmful bacteria between your teeth can increase your risk of gum inflammation, plaque, and exponential bacterial growth. Therefore, our experienced dentist in Okemos recommends that patients floss daily by gently rubbing the flossing up and down along the sides of each tooth in a “U” formation to remove bacteria and food particles. However, exercise caution when inserting the floss between your teeth that you don’t pop it into your gums, as it could cause damage.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash is a helpful addition to your daily oral hygiene routine when used with other oral care practices like brushing and flossing. While mouthwash can help reduce oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for daily oral care. However, minty flavored mouthwash can help improve your breath and reduce your risk of oral diseases.
Drink More Water
No matter how tired you may be of people telling you to drink water, the scientific fact remains that water is the best drink for your oral and overall health. Most physicians state you should drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day, but your water consumption may differ based on your height, weight, and physical activity level. For example, our East Lansing family dentist recommends a minimum of four glasses of water throughout the day to rinse acidic substances, sticky foods, and sugary drinks between brushing sessions.
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Regular visits to our Okemos dental office twice each year can help keep your oral health care in check and monitor potential problems. Our dental hygienists clean and examine your teeth and gums every six months. Then, they will inspect your smile for potential issues, and Dr. Tenaglia can develop a treatment plan for any dental concerns that you may have.
Family Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Protecting your smile doesn’t take a lot of hard work; it merely requires a few minutes of your day every day. When you take daily action and care for your teeth, you can possess a smile that shines for the whole year! The start of a new year is the perfect time to get your oral health on track and stick to your six-month checkups and cleanings. So, protect your smile at home and contact our friendly Lansing dentist at Tenaglia Smiles to schedule an appointment for a checkup and dental cleaning. Call us at (517) 347-6733 or contact us online to schedule an appointment for you and your family today!